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    Utö

    Sweden

    Utö

    IslandCulture

    Utö is a larger island in the southern archipelago in the municipality of Haninge. It combines archipelago nature with industrial history: traces of several centuries of mining are still visible today.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Sweden
    7. Stockholm Archipelago
    9. Utö
    Utö is a larger island in the southern archipelago in the municipality of Haninge. It combines archipelago nature with industrial history: traces of several centuries of mining are still visible today. The calcareous subsoil ensures a rich flora with many orchid species in the nature reserve in the north. In summer, you'll find numerous swimming spots; the best way to explore the island is by rental bike. You can reach Årsta brygga by bus 846 from Västerhaninge commuter train station; from there, the Waxholmsboat sails year-round to Gruvbryggan, and in summer, also directly from Strömkajen in Stockholm in about three hours.

    Sehenswürdigkeiten

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    1Utö Gruv- & Hembygdsmuseum (Utö Mining and Local History Museum)

    The Gruvmuseum, housed in the old fire station next to Utö Värdshus, tells the story of the island's iron ore mines, considered Sweden's oldest iron mine. Mining took place here from approximately 1150 to 1879. A few meters to the south lie the old mines, now elongated lakes filled with groundwater. The museum is open daily in summer.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    Lilla Haket & Ninas Bod

    Restaurant in Bygatan.
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    2

    Bryggans lilla kök

    Restaurant in Krokavägen.
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    3

    Bar and Burgers

    Bar in Fredsgatan 8.
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    4

    Restaurang Källaren Lydia

    Bar in Centralgatan 3.
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    History and Culture

    Sweden's Oldest Iron MinesIron ore mining began on Utö around 1150, making these mines the oldest in Sweden. By 1624, nine mines were operational, but in 1719, Russian troops destroyed the mines, houses, and livestock. Mining ceased in 1879. Today, the former shafts are filled with groundwater and appear as elongated ponds in the landscape; there are no underground tours.Mining Museum and LithiumHoused in the old fire station next to Utö Värdshus, the Gruvmuseet showcases the history of mining, open daily in summer. The element Lithium was first detected in a rock sample from Utö in 1817.Sport and Summer RetreatNew summer houses were built in the 19th and 20th centuries, including for artists and writers. More recently, Utö gained renown as the birthplace of Swimrun, an event where running and swimming alternate through the archipelago.

    Getting There and Around

    By BoatWaxholmsbolaget operates year-round from Årsta brygga, with additional summer services from central Stockholm via Saltsjöbaden and Dalarö.Docking primarily takes place at Gruvbryggan; Spränga brygga in the north has no facilities. Check the timetable in advance; water taxis can also be booked.From the neighboring island of Ålö, a gravel road about ten kilometers long leads to Utö.On the IslandBicycles can be rented on-site; they are the most practical means of transport for longer distances.The Utö section of the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is 18.4 kilometers long and challenging.From March to September, dogs must be kept on a leash; fires on the rocks are not allowed.

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    Nearby

    Nåttarö

    Nåttarö

    Nåttarö, located in the southern Stockholm archipelago, is about 30 boat minutes from Nynäshamn and is protected as a nature reserve. The island is almost entirely covered by pine forest, and on the east side, Stora Sand offers one of the archipelago's longest sandy beaches with large dunes. Additionally, there are bathing rocks, car-free gravel paths, and trails for walks.
    Nynäshamn

    Nynäshamn

    Nynäshamn lies about 60 kilometres south of Stockholm and is one of the mainland ports for ferries to Gotland. Additionally, ships sail from here to Gdańsk in Poland. It also serves as a starting point for the southern archipelago. In summer, the harbour is full of boats, with restaurants and small shops lining the promenade. The surrounding area offers coastal paths and nature reserves inviting visitors for walks. Nynäshamn is an easy day trip from Stockholm by commuter train.
    Fjäderholmarna

    Fjäderholmarna

    The Fjäderholmarna are a small group of islands at the start of the Stockholm archipelago, about 20 minutes by boat from the city center. They belong to the municipality of Lidingö and to the Royal National City Park. On the most visited island, Stora Fjäderholmen, you will find craft studios, small shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as an open-air exhibition of traditional archipelago boats. The islands are a good choice for a first impression of the archipelago without a long journey. The visiting season runs from May to mid-September.
    Södermalm

    Södermalm

    Södermalm is known as the hub of Stockholm's alternative and creative scene. From the island's hills, you'll enjoy sweeping skyline views, plus independent boutiques, cafés, and a vibrant nightlife.
    Djurgården

    Djurgården

    The island of Djurgården in Stockholm, once a royal hunting ground, is now a large green space and one of the city's most important cultural centers. Highlights include the Vasa Museum, home to the almost completely preserved 17th-century warship, and the open-air museum Skansen. Also on Djurgården are the Nordic Museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park, and Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde, the former residence of the painting prince, with its park. You can reach the island by ferry from Slussen or by tram line 7. Spring and autumn are ideal for a relaxed exploration of the parks and museums, when there are fewer visitors.

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